In his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul explained how 300,000 households were saved from falling into poverty.

Initiated 10 years ago by the former administration, Thailand has been implementing a programme that charges only $1 per doctor visit.

The Deputy Prime Minister said even non-Thai nationals, especially migrant workers from neighbouring countries, also benefit from it.

"Those who benefit most from our model have been the poor and the vulnerable. By working to empower the most vulnerable among us, we ensure that development is more inclusive. We believe that the model should be adapted to other developing countries, and we are willing to share the lessons we learned from our experience."

Thailand's health care programme is universal in its coverage of treatments ranging from chronic illnesses, chronic diseases to life saving surgeries.